MAYOR BLOOMBERG SIGNS LEGISLATION REQUIRING THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO EXTEND THE OPERATING AUTHORITY OF TWO UNSUBSIDIZED BUS SERVICES

Remarks by Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg at a Public Hearing on Proposed Local Laws

"The final bill before me today is Introductory Number
773, sponsored at the request of our Administration by Council Members Katz and
Stewart. Introductory Number 773 allows the Department
of Transportation, with the approval of the Franchise Concession Review
Committee, to extend the operating authority of two unsubsidized bus
services.

"The operating authority of the two unsubsidized bus
services is scheduled to expire today. The services are Private One of New
York, LLC, operating as New York Airport Service, which transports approximately
900,000 passengers annually from Grand Central Station to LaGuardia and Kennedy
Airports, and between the two airports; and Private Transportation Corp. which
transports approximately 600,000 passengers annually between Williamsburg and
Borough Park in Brooklyn.

"This bill will allow for an extension of the operating
authority of these bus services until June 30, 2009 and will help avoid a
disruption in these important services. The continuation of these bus
services will maintain the City's transportation network and promote the public
interest, enhance the health, welfare and safety of the public, and stimulate
commerce by ensuring the continued availability of unsubsidized private bus
service.

"I would like to thank Department of Transportation
Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan and her staff for their work on this bill.
I would also like to thank the City Council for approving the
legislation."